1. Jim Osteen welcomed the group and introduced himself as the new chairperson of CRAB and explained the other areas included in his administrative portfolio.
2. Jim asked Jay Gilchrist to offer a brief history and overview of CRAB. Jay began with the renovation of Ritchie Coliseum and the construction of the Campus Recreation Center (CRC). He explained that the growth of the program required an advisory board - - he went on to explain what the advisory board was meant to do. Jay noted that all members should have copies of the CRAB charge, originally written by Dr. Thomas. The primary focus of CRAB is to raise questions to assist the Department maintain its high level of service delivery and to offer insight from various constituencies during the budget process. Jim commented that from his experience, having an advisory board is vital to a progressive and healthy organization.
3. Wallace Eddy gave an overview of the CRS FY05 Working Groups and how CRAB may be involved in the various initiatives.
4. Jay provided facility updates: * artificial turf project completed (a few issues still need to be resolved). Lauren Grossman commented that the club field hockey team found the turf less attractive in terms of game speed, but also noted that it is safer and better in terms of bodily wear and tear.
* CRC main stairway cleanliness issue – the stairs have become increasingly difficulty to maintain in terms of cleanliness – a company is coming in over break to refinish them.
* new stretching mats have been procured – easier to clean
* bikes and cross-trainers will be replaced over Winter Break – funds for these replacements will come from equipment set-asides.
* HHP0101 – lab space needed for HHP Department, so the space formerly used by faculty and staff will no longer be available in its original location – there will now be specific and limited “faculty and staff only” hours in HHP0101 to accommodate the loss of space required to create additional lab space. (The cost for the retrofitting of air conditioning in HHP0101 is being borne by the Department of HHP.
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* Engineering fields – we are investigating ways to improve – some aesthetic concerns have been raised about the original plans for re-design – the new plans have been submitted to the campus design governing body for consideration.
* a site has been selected for a basketball court for North Hill residents and is in the process of being constructed.
5. Jay gave an overview of the budget process: toward the end of March an “asking budget” is created – one challenge of this for CRS is that the request is nearly two years out from the actual expenditure of the funds, therefore requiring forecasting of what expenses will be. Given the volatility of energy costs, this is especially challenging. The asking budget will be presented to CRAB for any questions and comments in early to mid-April. Any necessary revisions will be made and the revised version will again be presented to CRAB for endorsement of the budget request.
Jim asked that reports of the “making money” and “saving money” FY05 Working Groups be presented to CRAB before a budget endorsement is requested.
Hannah Putman asked how the steam and water cost issues were progressing – Jay explained where the Department is in the process of getting accurate information from Facilities Management.
Taylor Moore asked about the self-support department issue of giving money to the state-support departments to deal with cost containment – he raised the fairness issue and wondered if a disproportionately few students are paying for this cost containment at the potential risk of lessened services – he continued that a tuition increase, while unpopular, seemed a more equitable way to deal with cost containment issues.
Hannah commented that RHA also has this issue on their agenda.
Jim noted that we should keep this issue in mind – especially as we approach budget season.
6. Other items from CRAB members:
Taylor asked about the possibility of adding TVs to the cardio areas. Jay noted that it would be expensive and difficult given the architecture of the building, but could look into it on a limited basis to see if it would be feasible.
Hannah asked if it would be possible to replace the nets at the basketball courts near Easton Hall – Jay said that he would have an operations staff member take care of it. Hannah
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also asked if it would be possible to add lights to this area – Jay commented that this was being investigated in terms of feasibility and also was being discussed with the Resident Life regarding desirability.
Hannah asked about the pervasiveness of needing the “gray list.” Jay responded that few students need to be on the gray list – but that some names do get lost during the data downloads 11-9-04 CRAB Minutes-3
from the Student Information System – those students then are added to the gray list to allow them entry into CRS facilities until the next data download.
Lauren asked about the lines on the artificial turf – there have been difficulties created by multiple linings which makes it difficult for officials to make accurate calls. Rachel Brown also commented that the field hockey club had had difficulty in dealing with the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA) and that response time from ICA staff has not been good.
7. No more items were brought forth and Jim adjourned the meeting at 3:15PM
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